Firefighters honoured for service

NINE of Bundaberg's finest firefighters have been honoured during a special medal presentation at the Bundaberg Fire Station.

Gin Gin's David Sinden was awarded a National Medal on Friday for more than 15 years in the service, while the others were awarded the Diligent and Ethical Service Medal for more than 10 years of consistent high performance and honesty.

Mr Sinden said he had been an auxiliary firefighter with Gin Gin's Queensland Fire and Rescue Service for more than 18 years.

"I enjoy being able to help out in the community," he said.

"Because Gin Gin is a little bit out of the way, you need that community help."

Mr Sinden said some of his most memorable times with the service included rescuing a cat from a tree, the Tilt Train crash and saving a house in Mulgrave St from burning down.

"It's not often you get to do that - often by the time we get there, the house has already gone," he said.

Queensland Fire and Rescue Service area commander Terry Newman, who was among the recipients of the Diligent and Ethical Service Medal, said it was an honour to receive it.

The other recipients of the service medal were Chris Sheather, Andrew McCracken, Glen Gifford, Vicki Shailer, Paul Austen (posthumously), David Gear, Cain Josefski and George Bust.